Masonry Magazine December 2004 Page. 22
For the masonry industry to expand its markets, it has to balance the equation between the workforce and technology.
This method of post-tensioning is unique to FlexLock. The units are precision ground on the top and bottom to 0.015" preventing point loading, making post-tensioning possible. The system accommodates non-modular construction, jambs, sills, lintels, pilasters, and can be matted to conventional masonry. At the top of the wall, a bond beam is laid, reinforced and grouted with post-tensioning accomplished within, or on top of, the bond unit. Cercorp has extensively tested the FlexLock System and found it to have three to four times the reserve strength of standard masonry.
A Case Study
To assess both the speed of construction and the composite workforce, Cercorp, working with the engineering firm of Ryan-Biggs Associates and the International Masonry Institute (IMI), built a small test structure. The building, along with some test panels, were constructed with IMI students at their apprentice training facility in Cascade, Md. The instructors began by laying out the first course, after which the students built up the leads and courses. The students were each timed by Cercorp at laying approximately 100-125 units per hour, with material handling being the primary limiting factor. As the walls were laid up, the instructor walked around with a level and dead blow hammer ensuring that the walls were plumb, and window and door opening were in the right place. From this test, Cercorp concludes that FlexLock can dramatically increase productivity.
For the masonry industry to expand its markets, it has to balance the equation between the workforce and technology. The FlexLock Wall System, with its unique post-tensioning technology, enables mason contractors to reconfigure the available labor pool to increase both productivity and profitability.
For more information and availability, visit Cercorp's web site at www.cercorp.com.
Dominic Cerrato is founder and president of Cercorp Initiatives Inc., He is also the inventor of the FlexLock Wall System and sits on the NCMA New Product Development Committee. Cercorp develops and licenses technology in the building and landscape industry.
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December 2004
Masonry 23